Kimber Montana 300 WM

[nebhunt]

Thinking of getting a new rifle for elk hunting and was looking at the Kimber Montana in 300 WM. Anyone have any experience with one in 300 WM? Too light to shoot good. How about recoil? Some stock designs just handle it better. Any info would be great.

[stalkingbear]

The kimber is indeed pretty light and felt recoil reflects that. Any firearm that's light will seem to kick harder than a heavier rifle. Two things that will be mandantory is a good recoil pad and a muzzlebreak.
If this rifle is to be used on elk exculsively,I would heavily lean toward the .325 wsm or .338 win mag.
Another thought lets me sneak in a plug for my favorite-browning a-bolt with boss.

[Superpig]

My cousin recently purchased a Kimber 8400 Montana in 300 Win Mag. I fired his rifle at the range on Saturday with 180 gr. Remington Core-Lokt. The light weight of the rifle made it unpleasant to shoot. My cousin is going to have a muzzlebrake installed by our gunsmith. Other than the recoil the rifle was superb and off the bench with the cheap core-lokts accuracy was good. Three shot groups averaged 1.25". The barrel is thin too keep weight down so I don't suggest firing more than a 3 shot group. We fired a couple of 5 shot groups and rounds 4 & 5 spread to the left and high from a hot bore. I stand 5'11" & weigh 255 lbs. I'm not shy of recoil and own a 338 Win Mag in a Ruger 77 MKII. The Kimber with its light weight recoils harder than my 338.

[demoIL]

I bought one of the first 8400's in 338 win mag when they first came out. I can stand to shoot a box of shells and not be too bad off.. Does it kick? Sure it does but I don't think it's that bad.. Just me though..

Now the montana is a bit lighter and will kick a little more. I have thought of putting a break on the 338 but just can't do it quite yet. It is a thin bbl but mine shoots 3/4inch at 100 with Federal Prem. Barnes X Triple Shock 225 grain.

We just set up a 300wsm for a lady that comes in our shop and put a vice break on it for her, she likes to shoot it so if ya want a nice light rifle for carrying on elk hunts go for it, can't get a better one imo... In fact I myself have been looking into a Montana.. Still torn between the 300 wm (long action) and a 338 federal (short action)..

Good Luck.

[HEAD0001]

Are you going to be spending more time carrying it or shooting it?? There is nothing like a light fast handling rifle in the elk woods. Tom.